Dexter
Variant of Dyster. Also partially from Latin dexter (“right (handed)”).
Every Dexter since 1880 — 36,800 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Dexter
Dexter is uncommon for boys in the United States, ranked #693 in 2025 with 393 babies given the name. It is currently declining compared with a decade ago.
Since 1880, 36,800 American babies have been named Dexter. Its peak came in 2012, when 842 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 2010s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Dexter stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Dexter year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Girls | Girls rank | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | — | — | 393 | #693 |
| 2024 | — | — | 364 | #724 |
| 2023 | — | — | 380 | #700 |
| 2022 | — | — | 383 | #692 |
| 2021 | — | — | 554 | #531 |
| 2020 | — | — | 503 | #558 |
| 2019 | — | — | 638 | #466 |
| 2018 | — | — | 613 | #475 |
| 2017 | — | — | 686 | #447 |
| 2016 | — | — | 703 | #439 |
| 2015 | — | — | 755 | #413 |
| 2014 | — | — | 788 | #396 |
| 2013 | — | — | 784 | #382 |
| 2012 | — | — | 842 | #361 |
| 2011 | — | — | 753 | #384 |
| 2010 | — | — | 593 | #452 |
| 2009 | — | — | 486 | #542 |
| 2008 | — | — | 329 | #710 |
| 2007 | — | — | 257 | #832 |
| 2006 | — | — | 209 | #917 |
| 2005 | — | — | 211 | #870 |
| 2004 | — | — | 226 | #799 |
| 2003 | — | — | 201 | #857 |
| 2002 | — | — | 205 | #822 |
| 2001 | — | — | 229 | #753 |
| 2000 | — | — | 223 | #755 |
| 1995 | — | — | 336 | #554 |
| 1990 | — | — | 612 | #378 |
| 1985 | 6 | #9,625 | 410 | #424 |
| 1980 | 6 | #9,386 | 263 | #530 |
| 1975 | — | — | 298 | #466 |
| 1970 | 6 | #7,305 | 698 | #295 |
| 1965 | — | — | 507 | #336 |
| 1960 | — | — | 434 | #379 |
| 1955 | — | — | 411 | #356 |
| 1950 | — | — | 193 | #481 |
| 1945 | 6 | #4,150 | 139 | #507 |
| 1940 | — | — | 109 | #568 |
| 1935 | — | — | 74 | #704 |
| 1930 | — | — | 89 | #656 |
| 1925 | 7 | #4,119 | 91 | #669 |
| 1920 | 9 | #3,395 | 88 | #680 |
| 1915 | — | — | 70 | #700 |
| 1910 | — | — | 12 | #944 |
| 1905 | 5 | #2,011 | 12 | #711 |
| 1900 | — | — | — | — |
| 1895 | — | — | 8 | #812 |
| 1890 | — | — | 7 | #827 |
| 1885 | — | — | 5 | #974 |
| 1880 | — | — | 6 | #842 |
Famous people named Dexter
- Dexter Gordon Musician · 1923–1990
- Dexter Fletcher Actor · b. 1966
- Dexter Jackson Athlete · b. 1969
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Dexter mean?
Variant of Dyster. Also partially from Latin dexter (“right (handed)”).
How popular is the name Dexter in 2025?
Dexter ranked #693 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 393 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Dexter?
36,800 babies have been named Dexter in the United States since 1880, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Dexter most popular?
Dexter peaked in 2012, when 842 newborns received the name.
Is Dexter a boy or girl name?
Dexter is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 99% of babies with the name.
Is the name Dexter rising or falling?
Dexter is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Dexter?
Well-known people named Dexter include Dexter Gordon (musician), Dexter Fletcher (actor), Dexter Jackson (athlete).